Four overdose deaths in Montana have been directly traced to fentanyl disguised as less dangerous types of painkillers, law enforcement officials say.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton said that between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, three deaths in Billings and one in Helena were linked to black market fentanyl being sold as Oxycodone pills and opioid patches.

Apparently, fentanyl is being converted into pill form before being sold as the more well-known painkillers.

"Don't be buying Oxycodone or OxyContin from someone who is not a pharmacist," Dutton warned, adding that "fentanyl will kill you."

Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner Jesse Slaughter said fentanyl could affect more than just the users. Fentanyl is so potent that just touching or breathing the substance can be dangerous.

"Family members, children can be affected," Slaughter said. "It's a huge concern for public safety and our detention officers and law enforcement out with the public."

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Cascade County had four opioid-related overdoses in January, according to Slaughter. While fentanyl has not yet been confirmed in any of the cases, the chance it could move into the black market is concerning.

"Now that it's in pill form there's no way to tell what we're dealing with, and that's very dangerous," Slaughter said.

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Dutton said anyone with suspicious opioids should get rid of them.

"For anyone with a fear of getting charged for possession of dangerous drugs, there's a drop-off box, which is anonymous," Dutton said. "Just put it in and get rid of it."

The city and county have a pill drop-box at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. On Monday, the drop-box will be moved to the Helena Police Department's new office at 406 Fuller Ave.

"We are well aware people could die in fear of getting help," Slaughter said. "For people in contact [with opioids] get them turned over to law enforcement as soon as possible."

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(5) comments

I would also like to add to my above statement that medicine based on faceless fear , wether it be your doctor or yourself who is in fear , is the most vile assault on humanity I’ve witnessed in my 60 Yrs on this planet . We must chose coherent intelligence to combat this scourge of misinformation . Thank God we have strong advocates, like Dr. Mark and many others , in our corner . Ladies and Gentlemen “ Operation Mind Crime “ is Now in play . We must all regain our inherent right to be in service of humanity . 🙏🏼❤️

I find it absolutely offensive to be labeled with my new moniker OUD . I did not ask for these drugs I was placed on them through my “ Pain Management Team “. I went through these modalities for 8yrs and was stabilized to a manageable level of pain . As many of you know I have shared my experience of Fentanyl withdraw recently . The world I knew has returned to the dark abyss of unrelenting pain . Not only do I have an abrupt return to the pain CRPS gifts me with I am fighting the withdrawals as well . I am angry yes , I feel betrayed by those we are suppose to trust , and I am beyond bewildered . I am grateful and sympathetic for each of you . I feel somewhat hopeful with all these empathic voices like Dr. Mark . You truly have and continue to do so from keeping me from making my last exit .

I’m not sure if any of you have had this conversation with your families and loved ones but I have . I never thought in all my days that taking my own life would ever be an option . Today is not that day because of many of you . I am very fortunate that I regularly see a pain psychologist , and yes I have discussed this issue with her . Please reach out . Dr. Mark came into my life at the perfect time and his message of hope has saved at least one life and that life was mine . Much Love to each of you . Thank you Dr. Mark for being the beautiful soul that you are . 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

Before people jump to the conclusion that the folks who OD'ed bought the pain medication to just get high know that many of us who suffer from chronic pain are no longer able to have opioids prescribed to us by a doctor due to the current opioid hysteria and just maybe they became desperate. Until you've lived with the drip drip drip of chronic pain you have no idea how desperate it can make you to find relief. Many of us are now consuming more alcohol in order to find a way to mask the pain. I've had 4 back surgeries and live with daily chronic pain due to Ehlers Danlos hyper mobility and yet struggle to find a provider any more willing to actually treat my pain. Have I bought pain meds off the street or on line? No. Have I thought about it? Yes. I've also thought about suicide. And have a plan with the means to do it if I get to the point where I just can't stand it any more. The pendulum has swung way too far in the other direction and now those of us living with daily chronic pain can no longer find adequate relief. We need to find a solution to treat those with addiction issues with humanity and humanely treat those living with chronic pain.

So: what are people in pain, who need relief supposed to do?The obvious answer is: see your doctor for a prescription. However, due to a hostile regulatory environment, you doctor is unlikely to write that Rx, driving you to alternate ways of obtaining relief. The unintended consequence of draconian regulatory and law enforcement asssukts on doctors treating pain has been a severe chilling of doctors’ willingness to “risk their license and their freedom” as the DEA said to me. Other, safer alternatives include cannabis,Kratom,And the intended consequence: more invasive procedures that desperate patients submit to in order the try anything to get relief from their unrelenting agony. Yes, addiction is a problem, affecting up to 2.5 million Americans. Pain affects 100 million, with at least 25 million on opiates for 10-15 years, now suddenly cut off due to an epidemic of heroin/fentanyl deaths. Who do you want treating pain? Your doctor, or some guy willing to risk your life with their counterfeit pills?Please tell your legislators you want safety and protection for patients from unregulated pills. Let’s put physicians back in charge, where their expertise lies.

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